Behavior in Action 
Some questions to ask yourself before doing civil disobedience:
1.	Do you trust the group you are participating in?
2.	Does the group use consensus?
3.	Have you got a "plan"? 
4.	Have you formed an affinity group?
5.	Have you done non-violence training?
6.	Do you have support persons as part of your affinity group or as part of your larger group?
7.	Have you thought seriously how you would react if you get arrested, have to go to court, go to jail?
8.	Will someone look after your house, your pets, your vehicle, your other belongings such as tent, sleeping bag and other personal stuff?
9.	Have you told someone at home (where you live) what you will be doing in case you are arrested?
10.	Do you have any medical problems that would be exacerbated with action (such as asthma or heart problems) and do you have your prescribed medications with you?
11.	Have you seriously checked the non-violence guidelines and feel you can adhere to them?
12.	Do you have a sense of humor and can you go with the flow?
13.	Are you ready to be self-sufficient as possible (food, clothing and shelter)?
14.	Do you think you can listen to others and work with others and yet be a real participant and not only a follower?
If you can say yes to all or the greatest part of these questions, then you are ready.

Non-Violence Action Guidelines

1.	Our attitude is one of openness, friendliness and respect towards all creatures.
2.	We will not use violence, verbal or physical..
3.	We will not damage any property.
4.	We will strive for an atmosphere of calm and dignity.
5.	We will carry no weapons.
6.	We will not bring or use alcohol or drugs,
7.	We will encourage all others to abide by this code.
NEEDS OF ALL HUMANS
ourselves and our opponents

1.	To be safe.
2.	Material well-being (food, clothing and shelter)
3.	To belong to a "group".
4.	To be recognized.
5.	To have  control over our lives.
6.	To have meaning in our lives — values, belief system, spiritualism.

Songs and Chants for the Earth
1)
The earth is our mother
We must take care of her
The earth is our mother
We must take care of her.

Hey, Nona, Ho Nona, hey Nona
Hey, Nona, Ho Nona, hey Nona.

Her sacred ground, we walk upon
With every step we take.
Her sacred ground, we walk upon
With every step we take.
2)
Woman I am, Spirit I am
All of infinity is in my soul
 I have no beginning
And I have no end
All this I know.
3)
As we walk on this earth together
As one we sing her sacred song
As one we love her
As one we heal her
Our hearts beat with her heart as one.
4)
We are the dance of the Moon and the Sun,
We are the power in everyone
We are the hope that never dies
We are the turning of the tide.
5)
We are the flow, we are the ebb
We are the weavers, we are the web.
6) TEMAGAMI ROUND
	©Marie-Lynne Hammond
If we lose this forest,
If we savage the land
We might as well be cutting off
Our own right hand
For we and the earth are one
Under the moon, under the sun

Prayer For the Power to Resist
Give me a wisdom that comes from the earth 
Not just second hand words from the sky
Give me a wisdom that comes from down deep 
Not just dropped from on high
And give me a power that comes from inside
And not from the triggers of men
And give me the darkness as well as the light
And let me know healing again
Give me the courage to tell all my love
To the people and beings who need it
Give me the softness to tell all my pain
And friends who will bear with it all
And give me the clearness of mind that I need
To melt down the triggers of men
And give me the darkness as well as the light
And let me know healing again
Give me the power I feel in each tree
In the moments when I'm despairing
Give me the courage to put down deep roots
Into this rich soil we're repairing
And if it means violence and if it means pain
At the hands of the triggers of men
Then I'll take the darkness as well as the light
If it helps you find healing again
Give me the wisdom that comes from earth
And from my deepest places
Give me the strength when I need to spit
In the destroyers' faces
Give me the strength to know that I'm strong
Alone against the triggers of men
And give me the people for our peaceful fight
And let us bring healing again.
© Karl-Erik Paasonen, Queensland, Australia

Correcting Common Misconceptions About  Nonviolent Action
What Nonviolent Action is
It is a generic term covering dozens of specific methods of protest, noncooperation, and intervention in all of which the actionists conduct the conflict by doing – or refusing to do – certain things without using physical violence.  As a technique, therefore, nonviolent action is not passive. It is not inaction. It is action that is non-violent
The issue at stake will vary and the level of the conflict will also vary, however, whatever the issue, and whatever the scale of conflict, nonviolent action is a technique by which those who reject passivity and submission, and who see struggle as essential, can wage their conflict without violence. Nonviolent action is not an attempt to avoid or ignore conflict. It is one response to the problem of how to act in politics, especially how to wield power effectively.
Above all it is an open act of courage. It is not done in a covert way but openly letting others know what will happen and to create dialogue between the activists and their opponents.
• Civil disobedience is a public action
• It is based on nonviolence.
• The action is illegal or defies a command or decision
• The direct intent of the action is to preserve or change a phenomenon in the society.
• The personal consequences of the action are an important part of the message.
In a public action, the participants do not try to avoid the consequences of the action. Therefore, painting an anonymous political message on a wall, burning a bridge, or spiking trees  under cover of darkness is not civil disobedience – though in themselves these acts are not necessarily wrong in themselves they are not civil disobedience. Civil disobedience is always a political act. It exceeds the personal interests of the participants. Those that believe that civil disobedience is always right, place the method above the consideration of people's wants and needs. Just like any other act, one must judge disobedience according to the intent and the way  in which it is done. Neither the political results nor the use of the right method can justify an action's negative consequences for people.
A risk with physically effective direct action resistance is that this way of thinking creates a certain frustration if it fails. The result can be an unnecessary misdirected struggle that is mostly with the police, which leads to actions whose symbolism damages the struggle.  Instead of a useful direct action where the end becomes the means, a struggle to show who is physically strongest risks becoming its negation – the means become the end. This is the breeding ground for violence. 
Civil disobedience depends on direct contact with those that support the system. In order to carry on a dialogue, actions and trials are necessary. By some taking the consequences of their actions, others are encouraged to do likewise.
The opponent's reactions are a necessary part of resistance, whether they make concessions or put people in jail. By forcing a reaction, the whole society, with its officials and citizens, is drawn into a dialogue.
The participants in an action do not sneak away from the consequences of the action. As long as resistance is done openly, other people are also challenged to take part in this dialogue. When resistance groups block the possibility of a dialogue they strengthen and confirm the opponent's power.
Ghandi used satyagraha "Truth–force" as a complement to nonviolence.
Resistance demands that one is often involved in situations that will make us feel desperate and afraid, or irritated and generally in a bad mood. It is probably more justified to say that resistance is preceded by a stomachache than purity.
— With thanks to Gene Sharp, The Politics of Nonviolent action and Per Herngren Path of Resistance.

Fighting Oppression Within the Social Change Movement
There are always lots of words said about how to act in groups. We all know what we should do but it doesn't always happen. Many of the problems we run into are those of domination within the movement. People join a social change group in order to alleviate an external problem. Too often we are confronted with the same kind of behavior we find in our everyday lives.
People want not only to be accepted in these groups, but also to make a contribution and be active participants. In order to work successfully to change things we must also pay attention to our own behavior. Men traditionally have dominated group activity and should be especially cautious. In order to have productive group meetings and encourage participation, everyone should be aware of their behavior patterns. 
The full wealth of knowledge and skills is severely limited by negative behavior. Women and men who are less assertive than others or who don't feel comfortable participating in a competitive atmosphere are, in effect, cut off from the interchange of experience and ideas.
If sexism isn't ended within social change groups there can't be a movement for real social change. Not only will the movement flounder amidst divisiveness, but the crucial issue of liberation from sex oppression will not be dealt with. We cannot say that we will fix this first and then deal with sexism. Any change of society which does not include the freeing of women and men from oppressive sexrole conditioning, from subtle as well as blatant forms of male supremacy is incomplete.
Check your ego at the door – Is this you?
• Hogging the show: Talking too much, too long, too loud.
• Problem solver: Continually  giving the answer or solution before others have contributed.
• Speaking in capital letters: Is our opinion the FINAL WORD in tone of voice or body posture?
• Defensiveness: Responding to every contrary opinion as though it were a personal attack.
• Restating: Especially what a woman has just said.
• Nit-picking: Picking out minor flaws in statements of others, and stating the exception to every generality.
• Attention seeking: Using all sorts of dramatics to get the spotlight. 
• Put downs or one–upmanship: "I use to believe that but now..." or "How can you possibly say that?"
• Negativism: Finding something wrong or problematical in everything.
• Focus transfer: Transferring the focus of the discussion to one's own pet issues.
• Residual office holder: Hanging on to former powerful position.
• Self–listening: Formulating a response after the first few sentences and not listening to the rest of what the other person has to say.
• Intransigence and dogmatism: Taking a last stand for one's position on even minor items. 
• Condescension and paternalism. 
• Being "on the make": treating women seductively; using sexuality to manipulate women.
• Seeking attention and support from women while competing with men.
• Running the show: Continually taking charge of tasks before others have the chance to volunteer.
• Graduate studentitis: Creating a monopoly of information for one's own use and benefit.
• Speaking for others: "A lot of us think that we should..." or "What so and so really meant was..."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
If we challenge ourselves to correct our behavior while working with others, we will accomplish our tasks much more smoothly.

CONSENSUS DECISION–MAKING
Consensus is a way of making group decisions by mutual consent of the participants rather than by a simple majority vote. The goal is to reach democratic decisions that everyone can live with. Using consensus, the group takes no action that is not consented to by all group members. This doesn't mean that everyone is always in perfect agreement, but that the decision doesn't violate anyone's principles and that those who don't agree don't disagree enough to stop the group from taking an action. Good use of the consensus process produces intelligent and creative decisions by incorporating the best thinking of everyone involved. Everyone has an interest in implementing a group decision because all have participated in its formation. Consensus used properly relies on synthesis and cooperation rather than competition for reaching group unity.
CONSENSUS PROCEDURE
1.	Gather information and ideas.
2.	Discuss options.
3.	Ask for proposals.
4.	Dealing with one proposal at a time; ask for clarifying questions.
5.	Ask for concerns, reservations objections & amendments.
6.	Restate the (modified) proposal; check for reservations & amendments; Test for consensus.
7.	Restate proposal clearly and exactly..
8.	Pause.
9.	Check for consensus (If appropriate, congratulate yourself! If not, go back to #3).
10.	Record & implement the decision – be sure that tasks & responsibilities are designated.
	(hints for the facilitators:  Listen & synthesize; see each item through to the conclusion)

SOME TOOLS: Brainstorming, each speaker calling on the next speaker, breaking into small discussion groups with report–backs, delegating to smaller groups, etc.
OPTIONS IF YOU DON'T AGREE:
Non-support – "I don't see the need for this, but I'll go along".
Reservations – "I think this may be a mistake, but I can live with it."
Standing Aside – "I personally can't agree to this but I won't stop others from doing it"
Blocking – "I can't support this or allow the group to support it. I think it's immoral."
Withdrawing From The Group – "I feel that this disagreement shows that there is no longer a basis of cooperation between this group and me"
FALLBACKS: The group doesn't change what it has agreed on previously or takes a new course of action until there is agreement. If a new consensus can't be reached on an issue or a problem, the group can "Fall back" to the last consensual agreement reached previously. Fallbacks are a guarantee that the group will be able to act together even when it cannot reach a new agreement.
ROLLS IN CONSENSUS PROCESS
Facilitator: The facilitator's gob is to help the group move through the agenda by taking the group step by step through the procedure of the consensus process. S/he calls on the members of the group in turn. Facilitators should not use their role to influence decisions and should step down if they are invested in a decision.
Vibeswatcher: Vibeswatchers watch the emotional state of the group & the individuals within the group. S/he makes comments on how the process might run more smoothly with these feelings in consideration.
Timekeeper: A timekeeper keeps the group on track by watching the time and giving halfway warnings. 
Notetaker: The notetaker takes notes on the key points of discussions and the consensus decisions reached by the group.
From the Nevada Test Site Action Handbook

AFFINITY GROUPS
Affinity groups are self-sufficient support systems of about 5 to 15 people. A number of affinity groups may work together toward a common goal in a large action, or one affinity group might conceive of and carry out an action on its own. Sometimes, affinity groups remain together over a long period of time, existing as political support and/or study groups, and only occasionally participating in actions.
If you are planning to do civil disobedience, it is a good idea to either form an affinity group or join an already existing one. Affinity groups serve as a source of support and solidarity for their members. Feelings of being isolated or alienated from the movement, the crowd or the world in general can be alleviated through the familiarity and trust which develops when an affinity group works and acts together. By generating this familiarity, the affinity group structure reduces the possibility of infiltration by outside provocateurs. However, participants in an action should be prepared to be separated from their affinity group.
Affinity groups form the basic decision-making bodies of mass actions. As long as they remain within the nonviolence guidelines, affinity groups are generally encouraged to develop any form of participation they choose.
Every affinity group must decide for itself how it will make decisions and what it wants to do. This process starts when an affinity group forms. If a new person asks to join an affinity group s/he should find out what the group believes in and what they plan to do, and decide if s/he can share it. Some groups ask that all members share a commitment to feminism, for example, or to nonviolence as a way of life. Others, which have specifically formed to do a particular action, might have less sweeping agreements. 
A group cannot hope to reach consensus decisions without having some base of agreement. Once a base is agreed upon, working out the details of specific issues and actions is not as difficult as one might expect, providing that there is a willingness to go along with a good idea, even if it is someone else's. If you find that you cannot work effectively with your group, it might be better to find another one.
Affinity groups for mass actions are often formed during nonviolence training sessions. It is a good idea to meet with your affinity group a few times before an action to get to know them if you are not already friends, and to discuss issues such as noncooperation and relationship to the legal system, the role your group will play (in a large action), etc. After an action it is also helpful to meet with your group to evaluate and share experiences. 
Roles Within the Affinity Group.
These roles can be rotated:
• Facilitator(s), vibes watchers.
• Spokesperson to convey affinity group (A.G.) decisions to core support and other A.G.'s in a mass action.
• Support person(s) once you take on this responsibility, you should see it through.
Support
The role of support in a civil disobedience action is crucial. Support people accept the responsibility of being a visible, involved contact to the outside once a member of the affinity group is arrested. They are the personal extension of the care and concern an affinity group shares among its members, an extension of the need all the participants have to see that individuals who participate in nonviolent direct action are not isolated, neglected, and overburdened because of their political statement. 
It can be hard for you to decide whether to do civil disobedience or support. It is strongly encouraged that those considering doing support go through nonviolence training. In making the decision, you could consider how each role would affect your family, job, and other commitments, as well as your legal status (i.e. being on probation, not a citizen, etc.). During and after a mass action, be sure to stay in touch with support people from other affinity groups, for information sharing and emotional support.
Before an action: 
Help the affinity group decide upon and initiate their action, provide physical and moral support, and share in the excitement and sense of determination.
• Know the people in your affinity group by name and description.
• Know where people who are likely to be taken.
• Make a confidential list with the following information:
• Name of arrestee.
• Name used for arrest.
• Whether or not individual wants to bail out, and when.
• Who arrestee would like contacted and under what circumstances.
• Special medical information or other special needs info.
• Whether the individual plans to cooperate and in what ways.
• Whether the person is a minor.
• Whether the person wants/needs a lawyer.
For mass action::
• Know who the support coordinators are.
• Know the phone number of the action office.
• Be sure the group fills out an affinity group check-in sheet.
Be sure your name, phone number, where you can be reached, and how long you will be available to do support work are written on your affinity group's list.
During an Action:
• know the boundaries of arrest and non-arrest areas, if applicable.
• In a mass action, give emergency info about yourself to another support person.
• Bring paper, pen and lots of food for yourself and people doing civil disobedience (CDers)
• Hold ID, money, keys and any other belongings for CDers.
• Keep in touch with CDers for as long as possible, noting any change in arrest strategies, etc.
• Once arrests begin, write down each individual's name, and the time and nature of the arrest, the activity of the person arrested, the treatment of the arresting officer (get the badge number, if possible), and who is noncooperating.
• At least one support person from your affinity group should stay at the place of arrest until all members of your group are arrested, and at least one should go to where those arrested are taken as soon as the first member of your group is arrested.
At the Courthouse: (If that's where CDers are taken)
Be present during arraignments, and try to keep track of the following info for each person in your group. During a mass action, call this info into the office.
• Name of the judge or magistrate.
• Name of the CDer (Doe# if applicable).
• Charge.
• Plea (Not Guilty, Nolo Contendre, Creative Plea, Guilty, etc.).
• If found guilty, sentence imposed.
• If not guilty:
• Amount of bail, if applicable.
• Whether the person pays bail or not.
• Date, time and place of trial.
• If there's a lawyer in the courtroom ask his/her name.
• Any other info that seems relevant.
After the Action:
• Call whoever needs to be informed about each person who was arrested.
• Go to trials or any other appearances of CDers; help with rides.
• Help gather information for pro se defendants.
• In a mass action, be sure to let the office and/or support coordinators know when/if you have to leave town and give them all relevant info about the people you've been supporting.
If CDers are in jail, it is important for someone to be near a phone so that calls from jail may be received. You will probably be the go-between for your A.G. members who are not jailed together, as well.
• Contact the office (in a mass arrest) about people in jail and where they are being held.
• Be prepared to bring medication to the jail site for whoever needs it, and follow up on whether or not it has been administered.
• Visit your group members in jail, and pass on any message.
• Take care of plants, pets, cars, etc., for CDers. 
• Write letters to the people in jail; organize a support vigil in front of the jail.
• Be there to pick CDers up when they are released from jail.
• Support other support people — working together will ease the load.
—Nancy Alach

Toward Healing All Our Relations

TO EQUALIZE POWER AMONG US
We Need to Keep Ourselves in Check in Whatever Ways We Have Privilege.
Margo Adair & Sharon Howell
Despite our best intentions we find, more often than not, that we duplicate the patterns of power we find so abhorrent in dominant culture. Following are some guidelines to help us equalize relations. Privilege is invisible to those who have it.. To create a context which embraces diversity, in which no one is marginalized, a conscious and ongoing effort is required. By noticing and changing what we take for granted, we make room for everyone's contribution. This list is offered as a way to help privileged group members reflect on their own behavior.

In the Ways We've Been Oppressed
In addition to keeping ourselves in check regarding whatever ways we possess privilege, it is vital that we stop constraining ourselves—Stop keeping ourselves in check, in the particular ways that relate to how we have experienced being an "outsider." We have to take the risk of putting our experience into the center. We can no longer afford to collude with our own oppression by accommodating and/or not acknowledging our own power. It is our experience that is needed to inform and shape the politics.
It is also important to remember that offensive behavior is not necessarily calculated to protect power. It is often simply a result of ignorance. Those with privilege have never needed to understand the experience of others. They are frequently oblivious of how their behavior reinforces the status quo.
Don't interrupt.
Don't unilaterally set the agenda.
Don't patronize.
Don't assume you're more capable.
Don't trivialize the experience of others.
Don't challenge tone, attitude, or manner.
Don't assume anyone is more "suited" for anything.
Don't take responsibility for, think for, or speak for others.
Don't assume someone is exceptional compared to the "average" of their group.
Don't assume an individual speaks for or has the same opinions as others from their group.
Don't be the only one controlling the organization's resources.
Don't reduce difficulties to personality conflicts.
Don't assume the root of a problem is misunderstanding or lack of information.
Don't ask others to explain, prove or justify themselves.
Don't mimic other cultural traditions or religious practices. 
Don't expect to be treated as an individual outside of your group's experience.
Don't flaunt how you may be different than others of your group.
Don't take up all the space or always speak first.
Don't ignore or minimize differences by emphasizing similarities.
Don't overlook history and equate all oppressions as equal. 
Don't expect "others" to educate you about their group's history, conditions or sensibilities.
Don't expect others to be grateful.
Don't defend mistakes by focusing on good intentions.
Don't take everything personally.
Don't assume everyone has the same options you do.
Don't try to guess what's needed.
Don't assume that the visible reality is the only one operating.
Don't expect to be trusted.

Do take responsibility to learn about the history, culture and struggles of other groups as told by them. 
Do make sure the context welcomes everyone's voice and listen. 
Do appreciate efforts to point out mistakes. (You must be doing something right, or no one would bother to tell you what's wrong.)
Do expect discomfort when relating to people different from yourself.
Do address the many dimensions of accessibility, including things such as money, space, transportation, child-care and language.
Do notice what you expect from and assume about others, and note what experiences formed your ideas.
Do name unacknowledged realities, so that the parameters of the situation expand to include everyone's experience.
Do remember that others speak about more than the conditions of their own group.
Do regard people as whole human beings with families, interests and ideas  beyond those of the particular task.
Do take responsibility for equalizing power.
Do name dominating behavior when you see it.
Do encourage pride in your own, and other's ancestry and history.
Do understand individuals in the context of their social history. 
Do look for political differences rather than personality conflicts.
Do ask questions.
Do struggle over matters of principle and politics.
Do respect disagreements
Do make accessible all information so others can decide if they are interested.
Do appreciate the risk a person takes in sharing their experience with you.
Do take risks.
Do trust others.
The above has been excerpted from the pamphlet entitled:  Breaking Old Patterns Weaving New Ties: Alliance Building  by Adair & Howell.
for permission to copy, please contact Tools for Change,  PO Box 14141, SF, CA 94114  or call (415) 861-6838
For a copy of the pamphlet send $5. (or send $9 and also receive their pamphlet: The Subjective Side of Politics).
Behavioral Patterns that Perpetuate Relations of Domination
An individual from the 		
Dominant Group	Oppressed Group	
Defines parameters, Judges what is appropriate, Patronizes.	Feels inappropriate, awkward, doesn't trust own perception, looks to expert for definition.	
Assumes responsibility for keeping system on course. Acts unilaterally.	Blames self for not having capacity to change situation.	
Self-image of superiority, competence, in control, entitled, correct.	Self-image of inferiority, incompetent, being controlled, not entitled, low self esteem.	
Views self as logical, rational. Sees others as too emotional, out of control.	Often thinks of own feelings as inappropriate and a sign of inadequacy.	
Presumptuous, does not listen, interrupts, raises voice, bullies, threatens violence, becomes violent.	Finds it difficult to speak up, timid, tries to please. Holds back anger, resentment, rage.	
Initiates, manages, plans, projects.	Lacks initiatives, responds, deals, copes survives.	
Sees problems and situations in personal terms.	Sees problems in social context, results of system, "them."	
Often needs to verbalize feelings.	Sees no point in talking about feelings.	
Sees solutions to problems as promoting better feelings.	Sees solutions to problems in actions that change conditions.	
Thinks own view of reality is the only one. Disagreements are a result of lack of information, misunderstandings, personalities.	Always aware of at least two views of reality, their own and that of the dominant group.	
Believes certain kinds of work below their dignity.	Believes certain kinds of work beyond their ability.	
Does not acknowledge constraints in current situations.	Sees current situations as in terms of past constraints.	
Regards own culture as civilized, regards others as undeveloped, disadvantaged.	Feels own culture devalued, under assault.	
Turns to others' culture to enrich humanity while invalidating it by calling it exotic.	Uses cultural forms to influence situations; uses humor, music, poetry, etc. to celebrate collective experience. Sees these forms as being stolen.	

The above patterns have been excerpted from the pamphlet entitled: 
Subjective Side of Politics by Margo Adair & Sharon Howell.
for permission to copy, please contact:
Tools for Change,  PO Box 14141, SF, CA 94114 (415) 861-6838
For a copy of the pamphlet send $5. for a copy of both pamphlets (see reverse side) send $9.

Action Safety Tips, Defusing Violence

Practical Checklist
Clothing:	Wear practical  clothing in layers (holding cells can be very cold: Thermal underwear is useful).
Sturdy shoes
No ear-rings, necklaces or scarves.
Tie long hair back and tuck out of the way, secure glasses if possible.
Bring:	Change for phone calls, food in your pockets.
Pen and paper;  sturdy safety pin (it can loosen tight plastic handcuffs).
Make sure medicines are clearly marked with prescription.
Be absolutely sure you have no illegal drugs.
Write legal support number on arm prior to action.
Camera if possible ("Throw-away" cameras are useful -- no great loss if broken ).

Preparing for the Action
• If you are not part of an affinity group (AG) make or join one. AGs provide emotional and practical support, allow for flexibility and quick decision-making, ensure that every individual is cared for, and enhance safety.
• Think through what you plan to do, including as many variables as possible. Make good contingency plans to avoid frustration and panic. Remember that you may not think of everything, so practice making quick decisions with your affinity group.
• Clarify for yourself why you're taking this action. Be prepared to explain your reasons to others in positive terms. Work out one or two inspiring, positive self-statements that you can repeat to yourself, especially when afraid.
• Think, ahead of time, of chants and songs, because creative ones are sometimes hard to make up in the heat of the moment. Singing in particular is very unifying, gives us strength, can be calming, and helps us ignore provocation.
• Work out what things make you feel afraid or very angry, and talk about them in your AG. Knowing which particular situations bring up these emotions helps us recognize and deal with them more easily if they come up. Letting your friends know gives them information to help you when they see such a situation occurring.
• Think of the difference between assertion and aggression. Practice using assertive body language and tone of voice.
• Be clear about your attitudes to police/authorities: Talk them through and reaffirm before each action how you want to be with police, so you are in control, not them. Remember: the police have a difficult job. They must stand between the two sides and act as impartially as possible, even if they agree with what you're doing.

During the Action
• Stay calm. Take deep breaths if tense or afraid. Ground yourself.
• View unanticipated situations as opportunities, not consequences or disasters. Be creative, imaginative, open, flexible.
• Be alert, look out for each other. Set up a "Buddy" system. Be aware of what's happening to your buddy. Having a buddy of the same sex means you can continue to support each other in jail, and buddies often make an agreement that if/when one gets arrested, the other will follow suit so that one is not in jail alone.
• Respect yourself. Hold your ground, stay firm. Try not to retreat – maintain your body space. Don't invade others' body space.
• Know what cannot be taken away from you – spirit, truth, inner strength.
• Deal with people as individuals, communicate one to one.
• Remember your purpose in being there, don't get sidetracked into verbal conflicts.
• Don't run, it can cause panic.
• Take responsibility and empower yourselves to act as peacekeepers in action to take care of each other.

If You See someone Being Violent You can
• Talk to the aggressor, establish eye contact, tell them they're hurting the person, tell them to stop.
• Call other's attention to the violence.
• Put yourself between the aggressor and the victim.
• Deflect the aggressor's attention away, e.g.. say the cops/media are coming, and help the victim to move away.
• Let the aggressor know you're filming the violence.
• Physically restrain the aggressor.
• Throw your body over the victim.
• With others, surround the aggressor and move him/her away.
• All sit down in the vicinity of the violence so the aggressor is exposed.

If You See someone Being Violent  to you, You can
• Look them in the eye, talk to them.
• Be willing to state the obvious. Tell them they're hurting you, tell them to stop.
• Move slowly, don't make abrupt gestures. Keep your arms down by your sides.
• Call for support.
• Breathe.
• Confound their expectations by not behaving like a victim – be creative, surprise them. 
• Resist as firmly as you can without escalating the anger or violence. Try varying approaches.
• Get your opponent talking and listen to them.
• Visualize a protective energy shield around your body.
• Sit down/move away.
• If sticks, clubs and/or kicking are being used, remember the self-defense posture (fists at the base of brain, elbows close in over the temples, curl up and fall to the right to protect liver).

More Safety Tips
• While being dragged, relax as much as possible. Don't be dragged on your stomach – turn over.
• If held in a choke hold, turn your chin toward the holder's elbow and tuck your chin in.
• Tear gas: don't panic, stay down, breathe through a wet handkerchief, move from area (upwind) bathe eyes in a mild salt water solution or plain water. Mace: same, except bathe with 5% boric acid solution.
• Horses: everyone lying down or sitting down makes it much harder to disperse you with horses, whereas standing up makes it all to simple. Horses are trained to move sideways into people so, if necessary, move to the front of the horse.
• Police Dogs: Stay calm, don't run, don't move, make eye and verbal contact with person controlling dog.

Obviously, your response will vary according to the situation. Trust yourself.
Use your judgment, intuition and common sense.

By Vivian Sharples, Seattle Nonviolent Action Group (SNAG). With thanks to Theresa McManus: "Violence and Nonviolence" and "Peacekeeping"